Around 5-15 percent of Australians are affected by restless legs syndrome, a brain disorder that causes uncomfortable feelings of aching, itching or crawling, triggering an uncontrollable urge to move the limbs for relief. Symptoms tend to be worse at night, making it hard for people to fall asleep, often leading to sleep deprivation. About 80 percent of people with...
Itch, scratch, itch, scratch – toss, turn – repeat. Itchy skin can be maddening – especially when it keeps you awake at night. A number of my patients tell me with a straight face that they’d rather experience chronic pain than the never-ending, sleep-sabotaging misery of unrelenting itch. But unlike pain, which triggers us to withdraw...
Bloating is one of the most common (and uncomfortable!) gastrointestinal symptoms. “It generally gives people a sensation of pressure or fullness, and some experience distention, where the belly physically stretches out,” says gastroenterologist Dr Richard Saad. Persistent bloating can be a sign of something serious, such as fluid collection or a growth, and should be checked by...
Healthy eating is a pattern. It’s about how you eat over days, weeks and even months. The simple steps in this guide show you how to eat a diet that’s naturally low in salt, sugar and saturated and trans fats. Healthy eating patterns don’t focus on one type of food or one type of nutrient to promote heart health. Heart-healthy eating relies on...
You probably know that it’s important to stretch your legs, arms, back, core – but did you know that your hands and feet need stretching, too? The purpose of stretching is to maintain full range of motion around a joint. When we have full range of motion, we’re less likely to compensate and alter our...
Check out these 5 clean picks that promote sounder, more satisfying sleep: Mozzarella You know that turkey is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that prompts your body to produce more of the feel-good chemical serotonin, which ultimately helps you chill out and doze off. But mozzarella cheese packs nearly twice as much tryptophan as...
If your memory’s not what it used to be, the fix may be easier than you think. “There are simple ways to expand your working memory to help you live more successfully,” says brain expert Ruth Curran. Here are five memory tricks you can test out right away. Be a creature of habit Good organisation and memory...
Your body relies on food for energy, so it’s normal to feel hungry if you don’t eat for a few hours. But if your stomach has a constant rumble, even after a meal, something could be going on with your health.”Polyphagia” is the medical term for extreme hunger, and it can be a sign that...
Indulge yourself with a lusciously healthy, low-fat panna cotta dessert. Photo credit: Rob Palmer 4:10 Prep | 0:10 Cook | 4 Servings | Capable cooks INGREDIENTS 2 cups buttermilk 2 tablespoons caster sugar 1 vanilla bean, split 2 teaspoons powdered gelatine 400g can Weight Watchers sliced peaches METHOD Step 1 Lightly grease four 1/2...
When it comes to germs, it’s not all about the bathroom. The kitchen is the germiest room in the house. From the countertops and sink to the cutting boards and refrigerator, the kitchen is teeming with billions of microorganisms. But you can tackle those nasty kitchen germs that lurk where you prepare your family’s meals....
Movember, also known as Men’s Health Awareness Month, is an annual global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health...
November marks COPD Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and its profound...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is observed every October to highlight the devastating impact of breast cancer on Australians. Every...